09/10/2026
Thank you Asia Times for the Issue:
Plant4Tawau project leaders Shavez Cheema (right) and Janet (left) pose for a photo after receiving their award.
(Tawau, July 7) The 1 Stop Borneo environmental project Plant4Tawau, nominated by the Junior Chamber International Tawau (JCI Tawau), will be included in the 2026 Junior Chamber International Malaysia Sustainable Development Award.
The project stood out in the JCI Malaysia Sustainable Development Award, winning the UN Sustainable Development Goal 15 "Life on Land" category award and the highest honor of "Best of the Best".
The Plant4Tawau project was initiated and founded by Shavez Cheema, founder of 1 Stop Borneo Wildlife, and Janet, the organization's Head of Reforestation. JCI Tawau is the nominating organization representing the project in the JCI Malaysia Sustainable Development Award selection.
Tawau Junior Chamber International President Sharon Yeap expressed her delight at the project receiving two honors and pointed out that the association's ability to nominate a local project with tangible environmental achievements for national awards is an opportunity to bring more attention to youth and community conservation work in Tawau and Sabah.
She said that Plant4Tawau has long been committed to forest conservation, biodiversity, and community participation, and its achievements have been recognized with national awards, which is encouraging and shows that local environmental projects can also be recognized on the national stage.
The Junior Chamber International Malaysia Sustainability Awards, launched in 2017, aim to recognize sustainable development projects driven by businesses, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations that contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Plant4Tawau was launched in May 2021 with the core objective of addressing the issues of forest fragmentation and biodiversity loss in Sabah. By reforesting and planting native tree species, it aims to reconnect fragmented forests, create ecological and food corridors for wildlife, and reduce conflicts between humans and wildlife.
The project has cultivated more than 60,000 seedlings and planted more than 25,000 trees in multiple locations, covering more than 40 native tree species.
The locations for tree planting and conservation work include Teck Guan Plantation, Andrassy Substation of Tawau Hill National Park in Sabah Park, and SD Guthrie located in the buffer zone of Tawau Hill National Park. (14)